Product Description

Revised and updated, this popular book shows pastors and worship leaders the basics of United Methodist worship.

In this straightforward and updated commentary, Hoyt Hickman explains the basic pattern of United Methodist worship within the broader context of Christian worship. Drawing upon five basic principles, the author explains the formative nature of worship and how it can revitalize persons' lives. These principles are: God's Word is primary; active congregational participation is crucial; spontaneity and order are both important; worship should be relevant and inclusive; and worship is communion. This revision will highlight the African-American contribution to UM worship, discuss at greater length what the various worship styles mean for us today, say more about the formative nature of worship, and include updated resources including the Abingdon Worship Annual, the Abingdon Preaching Annual, and WorshipConnection.

• Explains basic resources for planning and leading worship.
• Gives the basic pattern of UM worship and its origins.
• Gives practical suggestions how to renew and revitalize worship.
• Helps pastors be effective leaders in planning and revitalizing worship.
• Helps pastors understand and communicate the uniqueness of UM worship.
• Helps pastors lead their congregation into a deeper and richer experience of God through worship.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Read for those interested in congregational worshilp
Hickman has done an outstanding job of presenting theconcept of Christian worship, the patterns of worship, the heritage of the Methodist Church and the phases of worship.Written for the minister and the lay person, I find that it is easily understood by the lay person and can be used as a study book for groups of lay people.

The work is well founded scholastically honest and deep, but written so that the lay person can understand and enjoy the concepts of Christian worship in congregations.

A must read for interested lay persons.

J. Robert Ewbank, author of "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'" ... Read more

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In thirteen previously published essays, especially revised and updated for this volume, United Methodist historian Russell Richey explores various dimensions of the history, theology, and practice of connectionalism in American Methodism. ... Read more

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In this book, George Vandeman helps us to better understand the Lutherans, Baptists, and other faiths.

Table of Contents

What I Like About the Lutherans
What I Like About the Baptists
What I Like About the Methodists
What I Like About the Charismatics
What I Like About the Catholics
What I Like About Our Jewish Friends
Why So many Denominations?
What I Like About the Adventists ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

God's Unveiling of Truth and Light Through The Years
It's about Reformation and how God has guided His Church through all ages. A celebration of various movements, and their part in the continual unveiling of light till Jesus' words are fulfilled; "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" by the leading of the Holy Spirit into "all truth". ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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An introduction to the journey of faith as traveled by United Methodists - and a survey of their history, beliefs, mission, and church organization. Chester E. Custer interprets the basic theological beliefs and membership vows, with special attention to their implications for an active ministry of the laity in congregations, communities, and the world.Required text for Lay Speakers Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage: Advanced Course.See also A Pocket Story of John Wesley. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

United Methodist Primer
Excellent source for those wanting to investigate the beliefs of the Methodist faith.Both easy to read and understand. ... Read more

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Written in a humorous, accessible style, this book is an easy-to-understand guide to the kinds of theological questions that many Methodist youth and others are asking today. "Being Methodist in the Bible Belt" will help any Methodist youth, parent, or educator better understand their unique brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With helpful sidebars explaining Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter for reflection and action, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes in Methodist churches, as well as personal reading. This is an ideal book for adolescents and young adults and those who nurture them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

What They Said...
I had this book on my (very crowded) shelf of books that explain United Methodism and Wesleyanism for years until I read it just a few weeks ago.Wow.For a readable introduction to our tribe, it does not get better than this.Is Joyner a little campy in his illustrations?Perhaps - but then, that may be just his style as a preacher coming through, because even the silly illustrations contain truth.I now have it loaned out to a seeker coming from a de-churched background of various denominations, and she is finding it very helpful.Perhaps you, or someone you know, will, too.

Belton Joyner Knows Methodism
I am a life-long Methodist,a seminary graduate, and thought I knew a little about Methodism.Belton's book opened my eyes and mind to a better understanding of just who we are, who we claim to be, and why we are who we are. I have had the opportunity to take two classes with Belton Joyner at Duke Divinity School and he is just as engaging and well versed on Methodism in real life as he is on the written page.This book is a must read for anyone who "thinks" they know Methodism and would really like to have a quick crash-course to reaffirm those beliefs.

Being Methodist in the Bible belt
funny ,easyto read, information priceless to a long time Methodist
like me, I learned a lot from reading this book, it is a reference
for me, I'd like to thank the author for writing it

WONDERFUL
This book is a great read and VERY pertinent.It really makes you think and Belton had lots of great ideas.VERY FUNNY.

Funny without being irreverent
I bought this book shortly after joining a United Methodist church.As a former southern baptist, I found this book very helpful in discerning the differences between the denominations.I've since recommended this book to several friends and family members. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Required Reading
If you want to understand the racism which divided and continues to divide people of this nation even in their churches, then you need to read this book. Written by a man who was close to Dr. Martin Luther King and deeplyinvolved in the struggle against racism, this book tells the fascinatinghistory of the Black Church formed within the Methodist Church and its roletoday. ... Read more

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Joseph Gomez was a charismatic minister who rose throughthe ranks of the African Methodist Episcopal church to be ordained abishop in 1948. His daughter has drawn on letters, journals, andchurch records to write this biography. However, it is more than justa simple biography. This book is a history of Black life during theearly part of the century and a chronicle of the political andreligious struggles of the first autonomous Black church in the U.S. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Inspiring
Joseph Gomez (1890-1979) was an AME minister, and was ordained a Bishop in 1948. He was also a teacher, civil rights pioneer, scholar, writer, and humanitarian. He was born on the island of Antigua and came to the US in 1908. He served several congregations but was most closely associated with Ohio, particularly Cleveland and also Wilberforce college, from which he graduated.

His biography tells the inspiring story of his life, family, ministry, struggles, and victories.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction." He has also authored "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

An excellent read on the African-American experience.
An absorbing biography of an Afircan-American's rise to the highest position of the AME church as a Bishop, and his challenges to build and maintain the church.It also explains his challenges and struggles inAmerica as a African-American and the love of God, his family, friends anassociates . It was hard to put down.At times I was with him in thestruggles.It provides another format to look at the African-Americanhistory in America, and the impact on a cutlture and people. His daughterhas done an excellent job at collecting and recording this history.I onlyhope others will follow in her footsteps.The book was rather pricey butwell done with adequate references.

Stuggles ofa Spanish-Black bishop in AME church; Excellent
Bishop Gomez built the AME church in Cleveland, Ohio.He rewrote church doctrine in the 1970s for the first time since written by Richard Allen.The book also depicted his struggles and lonely walk with God as he lead aBlack congregation and was faced with issues during the Civil Rightsmovement.The book was easy to read, inspiring, and you didn't want to putit down until finished! ... Read more

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Now in it's second printing, Sacraments & Discipleship is an accessible way to learn about the meaning of the sacraments in a nonsectarian yet thoroughly United Methodist way.Drawing on scripture, Christian tradition and personal pastoral experience, Stamm discusses baptism and Holy Communion as works that should elicit a life of responsible discipleship. ""We will emphasize the work of God's grace, yet we will insist that there is a human side of the covenant,"" he writes, ""our work of receiving grace.""A free 6-session online study guide is available here. Sacraments & Discipleship is an excellent reference source and tool for teaching a class on the sacraments. ... Read more

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This reference tool includes over 90 indexes to The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing. The indexes range from non-English hymns, to women composers, to contemporary songs, to hymns from classical compositions. ... Read more

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Do we act, live and breathe our faith? What do United Methodists believe? Do people notice a difference in the way United Methodists practice faith in the Church and world? A Year with John Wesley and Our Methodist Values is an engaging and provocative study of the practices of discipleship that are of ""the Methodist way."" Brief scholarly reflections on Wesleyan themes are followed by short essays making recurring Wesley tenets timely and relevant to today's world. Covering an aspect of distinctly Wesleyan theology a month, the collection of essays contained in this book provide an in-depth yet easily approachable 12-month survey of the Methodist tradition for clergy and laity alike. ""A Year with John Wesley reveals and makes plain the essence of John Wesley's life and witness,"" writes one reviewer. ""A Methodist way of living becomes accessible through these great themes expressed in contemporary language and situations. Those who read and reflect upon these pages will gain understanding of United Methodist theology, polity and practice, but even more significantly, they will learn what it means to walk with Christ in our contemporary world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Timely Wesleyan Thoughts
This little book is divided into monthly themes and is very informative as to the Wesleyan perspective on topics such as grace, Christian commitment, sin, and eternal life. The articles are brief and leave you wanting more! ... Read more

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This groundbreaking new study gives a unique insight into the life and work of one of the most important denominations in the UK. The author shows that contemporary British Methodists no longer look back to the Wesleys for the source of their theology, but engage with a wide range of different sources and traditions. ... Read more

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1084 pages ... Read more

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This book offers a renewed vision and practical steps for United Methodists to work together in mission and ministry. These bishops of The United Methodist Church urge congregations to stand together, under God’s grace, to lead others to vibrant faith, steadfast hope, and joyful living. The authors call for a new partnership with God to bring God’s reign to fruition for all God’s people. With concrete guidance about how to create and transform disciples, readers are invited to travel the path that leads to the abundant living that Jesus talked about. This book will also inspire and motivate congregations to work together to be a vibrant presence in their neighborhoods and communities.

The Seven Pathways were created by the United Methodist bishops and presented at the 2008 General Conference as a vision statement for the Church. Contributors include: Bishops Sharon Brown Christopher, Gregory Vaughn Palmer,  G. Lindsey Davis, Robert Schnase, Scott J. Jones, Hee-Soo Jung, E. James Swanson Sr., Minerva G. Carcano, Thomas J. Bickerton, and Bruce R. Ough.  

The seven pathways are: Planting New Congregations, Transforming Existing Congregations,  Teaching the United Methodist Way, Strengthing Clergy and Lay Leadership, Children and Poverty, Expanding Racial/Ethnic Ministries, and Eliminating Poverty by Stamping out Disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

United Methodist Hymnal
This book was in great condition, Thanks. I love all the variety in this hymnal.

Very Pleased
This Hymnal was exactly what I was looking for and at a very good price.
I received it very quickly.The music is the Authenic Methodist Music.Easy to play and sing.They only thing I wish is it had the chords too. ... Read more

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Evan Lloyd's works consist chiefly of four satires written in 1766 and 1767,[1] all of which are now little-known. What little notice he receives today results from his friendship with John Wilkes and David Garrick and from one satire, _The Methodist_, which is usually included in surveys of anti-Methodist literature.[2] For the most part, his obscurity is deserved. In _The Methodist_, however, he participates in a short-lived revolt against the tyranny of Augustan satire and shows considerable evidence of a talent that might have created a new style for formal verse satire. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

United Methodist Hymnal
I thought I had already reviewed this item. I have enjoyed it since received it.

Personal copy comes quickly
Rather than taking a copy of the Church hymnal home for my own use, I decided to buy a copy. The order was quick and the quality was fresh and new. I am very pleased with the service.

A Most Excellent Hymnal
This is easily one of the best hymnals that I own.It has a few attributes that make it such a solid book:

1) It is extremely comprehensive, containing the "old standards" (such as "Praise to the Lord"), newer hymns and songs (like "Let There Be Peace on Earth"), ecumenical hymns, and even Taize chants (such as "Eat This Bread" and, I believe, "Jesus, Remember Me")!
2) The service outlines in the front are unparalleled.They go into incredible detail about the elements of the service, going so far as to including multiple service music selections.
3) The layout is aesthetically pleasing.It's very hard to pinpoint exactly why the pages are so nice to look at, but the layout and print really come together.

If you are a musician or parishoner of any denomination, this book is a must.

Best Hymnal / Prayerbook out
This hymnal contains roughly 679 hymns proper, organized theologically rather then by season (there is a section called "Particular Times of Worship" for seasonal hymns and carols).They include old favorites like "O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing", and newer songs like "Come Sunday",and translations of patristic and medieval hymns. Collects, canticles, and bits of sacred poetry are scattered throughout the hymnal alongside hymns expressing similar sentiments- the Psalter contains only the Psalms.

In addition, the Hymmnal contains the United Methodist liturgies for the usual morning service, Baptism, Communion(with musical settings), marriages, and funerals. There are also orders for weekday Morning and Evening Prayer and Praise, which is as far as I know unprecedented in Methodism.

One slight deficiency- the UM Hymnal contains no church calendar or lectionary at all. This is unfortunate, especially as the Hymnal is otherwise so complete.

A lot of thought went into this
This is one of the best hymnals available, if you can get past the inclusive language. Its wide range of selections and worship resources will appeal to all Christians. ... Read more